OSAKA (Kyodo) -- A fire that broke out at a restaurant in Kyoto's busy Pontocho dining district was brought under control on Saturday night, but required the evacuation of about 50 customers, according to local police.

Firefighters had the blaze, believed to have started in the kitchen at around 7:50 p.m., under control after about three hours. No injuries were reported, though nearby buildings suffered damage.

The restaurant is located in a three-story wooden building near the Pontocho Kaburenjo theater. Pontocho is known for its narrow streets lined with traditional teahouses and restaurants.

Masanori Moriguchi, a 60-year-old board member of the local neighborhood association, expressed disappointment that the incident occurred.

"There are many restaurants here, and we conduct fire prevention drills several times a year and held one just three days ago," he said.